Shop order status visualization system

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for visualizing an assembly of parts for an aircraft. A shop order instance is identified for the assembly of parts for the aircraft. A volume is identified for the shop order instance. The assembly of parts is displayed within the volume in context with a number of assemblies of other parts within the volume.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to the following patent applications:entitled “Object Visualization System,” Ser. No. 13/780,109, filed Feb.28, 2013; entitled “Shop Order Status Visualization System,” Ser. No.13/785,616, filed Mar. 5, 2013; entitled “Nonconformance VisualizationSystem,” Ser. No. 13/798,964, filed Mar. 13, 2013; entitled “Conditionof Assembly Visualization System,” Ser. No. 13/834,893, filed Mar. 15,2013; entitled “Condition of Assembly Visualization System based onBuild Cycles,” Ser. No. 13/835,262, filed Mar. 15, 2013; entitled“Visualization of an Object Using a Visual Query System,” Ser. No.13/852,063, filed Mar. 28, 2013; entitled “Locator System forThree-Dimensional Visualization,” Ser. No. 13/855,102, filed Apr. 2,2013; entitled “Shop Order Status Visualization System,” Ser. No.13/858,364, filed Apr. 8, 2013; entitled “Nonconformance VisualizationSystem,” Ser. No. 13/861,678, filed Apr. 12, 2013; and entitled“Aircraft Comparison System,” Ser. No. 13/860,126, filed Apr. 10, 2013,assigned to the same assignee, and incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1. Field

The present disclosure relates generally to manufacturing and, inparticular, to manufacturing vehicles. Still more particularly, thepresent disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for assemblingvehicles in a manufacturing environment.

2. Background

The assembly of an aircraft is an extremely complex process. Hundreds ofthousands of parts may be assembled for an aircraft.

The assembly of an aircraft may involve manufacturing different parts ofthe aircraft in geographically diverse locations. These different partsmay then be finally assembled in a single location. For example,different portions of a fuselage of a composite aircraft may beassembled in different locations and flown to a central location wherethe final assembly line is located. Additionally, other parts such asengines, auxiliary power units, seats, computer systems, linereplaceable units, or other components in aircraft may be shipped tothis final location for assembly to form the assembled aircraft.

The assembly of the different parts involves assigning tasks todifferent operators. The assignment of these tasks may take the form ofshop order instances. Each shop order instance may include instructionsand an identification of parts for a particular assembly in theaircraft.

Operators performing the assembly of an aircraft use shop orderinstances to determine what tasks they will perform on a daily basis.For example, an operator may identify a task to perform in a shop orderinstance. The shop order instance identifies the parts to be assembled,work instructions for assembling the parts, and a location where theassembly should be performed.

When an operator identifies a shop order instance assigned to thatoperator, the operator then identifies the different parts for assembly.Currently, the operator is unable to identify the context of other partsin the aircraft with respect to the part to be assembled. In otherwords, the operator is not shown the location on the aircraft for theparts to be assembled. Further, the operator is also unable to viewother parts that may already be located on the aircraft. In some cases,the assembly of the parts assigned to the operator may depend on theprior assembly of other parts in the aircraft.

Currently, the identification of the location in the shop order instanceoften takes the form of coordinates in an aircraft. Based on thesecoordinates, the operator may perform research in databases andcomputer-aided design models to identify where the assembly shouldoccur. This process may be more time-consuming than desired. Further, itmay be difficult to resolve the location information to an actuallocation on the plane. The increased amount of time may increase thetime to assemble an aircraft more than desired. As a result, the numberof aircraft that are produced during a period of time may not be asgreat as desired or those aircraft may be assembled at a greater costthan desired.

Therefore, it would be desirable to have a method and apparatus thattakes into account at least some of the issues discussed above, as wellas other possible issues.

SUMMARY

In one illustrative embodiment, a method for visualizing an assembly ofparts for an aircraft is presented. A shop order instance is identifiedfor the assembly of parts for the aircraft. A volume is identified forthe shop order instance. The assembly of parts is displayed within thevolume in context with a number of assemblies of other parts within thevolume.

In another illustrative embodiment, a method for visualizing an assemblyof parts for an object is presented. A shop order instance is identifiedfor the assembly of parts for the object. A volume is identified for theshop order instance. The assembly of parts is displayed within thevolume in context with a number of assemblies of other parts within thevolume.

In yet another illustrative embodiment, an aircraft management systemcomprises an object manager configured to identify a shop order instancefor an assembly of parts for an aircraft. The object manager is furtherconfigured to identify a volume for the shop order instance. The objectmanager is still further configured to display the assembly of partswithin the volume in context with a number of assemblies of other partswithin the volume.

The features and functions can be achieved independently in variousembodiments of the present disclosure or may be combined in yet otherembodiments in which further details can be seen with reference to thefollowing description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the illustrativeembodiments are set forth in the appended claims. The illustrativeembodiments, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, furtherobjectives and features thereof, will best be understood by reference tothe following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment of thepresent disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a block diagram of a manufacturingenvironment in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a block diagram of an object manager inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a block diagram of a sectional view inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a block diagram of a volume identifier inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a block diagram of a shop order instance inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a block diagram of a state for a section ofan aircraft in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a block diagram of a dependency structurein accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a graph of dependencies in accordance withan illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a graphical user interface for viewingstatuses of shop order instances in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 10 is an illustration of aircraft positions in a building inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a graphical user interface of aircraftsections in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 12 is an illustration of a graphical user interface for querying ashop order instance in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 13 is an illustration of a graphical user interface with a visualrepresentation from the shop order instance in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a display of shop order instanceinformation in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 15 is another illustration of a display of shop order instanceinformation in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 16 is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for visualizingan assembly of parts in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 17 is an illustration of a more detailed flowchart for visuallydisplaying an assembly in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 18 is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for identifyingthe status of tasks in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 19 is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for identifyingthe status of shop order instances in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 20 is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for identifyinginformation about the status of a shop order instance in accordance withan illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 21 is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for displaying asection in a graphical user interface in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 22 is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for managingdependencies for at least one of a number of parts or a number of tasksin an aircraft in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 23 is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for displayinggraphical indicators of dependencies in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 24 is an illustration of a block diagram of a data processingsystem in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 25 is an illustration of a block diagram of an aircraftmanufacturing and service method in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 26 is an illustration of a block diagram of an aircraft in which anillustrative embodiment may be implemented; and

FIG. 27 is an illustration of a block diagram of a manufacturing systemin accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account one or moredifferent considerations. For example, the illustrative embodimentsrecognize and take into account that in performing tasks in shop orderinstances, some shop order instances should be completed prior to othershop order instances. The illustrative embodiments recognize and takeinto account that in some cases, completing one shop order instancebefore another may require some disassembly or rework of parts.

For example, the completion of one assembly may block installation ofanother assembly in the aircraft. In another case, one assembly may beattached to the second assembly, requiring the second assembly to becompleted.

Further, the illustrative embodiments also recognize and take intoaccount that the assembly of parts in the aircraft may not always beperformed in a desired sequence. Additionally, a part may have aninconsistency that may be caused by an operator or the part may havebeen received with the inconsistency. As a result, the part may beinstalled and other parts also may be installed prior to identifying theinconsistency. As a result, the order of the assignment of installationsmay change and cause confusion to an operator installing other parts.

As another example, inspections of assembly may need to be performedbefore another assembly is completed. For example, installation of asecond assembly may block access to the first assembly such thatinspection of the first assembly may be difficult or impossible toperform. As a result, the inspection may be performed after partial orfull removal of the second assembly. The second assembly is thenreinstalled after the inspection.

The illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account thatcurrently, operators may see a list of shop order instances and whetherthey have been completed. With respect to shop order instances, anoperator assigned a shop order instance may see a list of parts for theshop order assembly. Further, the operator also may see instructions toassemble the parts to form the assembly for the shop order instance.

However, the illustrative embodiments recognize and take into accountthat currently, an operator is unable to visualize the different tasksperformed to assemble parts to form an assembly for a shop orderinstance. In other words, operators are currently unable to see thegeometry of the parts that form the assembly for a shop order instance.In addition, the operator is also currently unable to easily see theassembly within the context of other parts that may be present in theaircraft. As a result, this inefficiency may increase the amount of timeneeded to assemble an aircraft more than desired.

Thus, the illustrative embodiments provide a method and apparatus forvisualizing an assembly of parts. An identification of a shop orderinstance is received for the assembly of parts. A volume is identifiedfor the shop order instance. The assembly of parts within the volume isdisplayed in context with other parts within the volume.

With reference now to the figures, and in particular, with reference toFIG. 1, an illustration of a block diagram of a manufacturingenvironment is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.Manufacturing environment 100 is an example of an environment in whichobject 102 may be assembled.

In this illustrative example, object 102 takes the form of aircraft 104.Object 102 is completed by assembling parts 106. A part is a group ofthe components. As used herein, a “group of,” when used with referenceitems, means one or more items. For example, a group of components isone or more components.

A part may be a single component or assembly of components in thesedepicted examples. For example, the part may be a seat, a row of seats,an in-flight entertainment system, a duct, a system of ducts, a globalpositioning system receiver, an engine, an engine housing, an inlet, orother suitable types of parts.

In this illustrative example, assembling parts 106 may take place inassembly location 107 in building 108 of buildings 110 at manufacturingfacility 112. The assembly of parts 106 in building 108 may occur inpositions 114 in assembly location 107 for object 102. Each position inpositions 114 is a location in building 108 in which a group of tasks118 is performed to assemble object 102.

In these illustrative examples, a task is a piece of work. A task may becomprised of one or more operations that are performed by a group ofoperators 122 assigned to work on the assembly of object 102.

In the illustrative examples, object manager 124 may be used to managethe assembly of object 102. When object 102 is aircraft 104, objectmanager 124 may be part of an aircraft management system. Object manager124 may be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, or a combinationthereof. When software is used, the operations performed by objectmanager 124 may be implemented in program code configured to run on aprocessor unit. When firmware is used, the operations performed byobject manager 124 may be implemented in program code and data andstored in persistent memory to run on a processor unit. When hardware isemployed, the hardware may include circuits that operate to perform theoperations in object manager 124.

In the illustrative examples, the hardware may take the form of acircuit system, an integrated circuit, an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device, or some othersuitable type of hardware configured to perform a number of operations.With a programmable logic device, the device is configured to performthe number of operations. The device may be reconfigured at a later timeor may be permanently configured to perform the number of operations.Examples of programmable logic devices include, for example, aprogrammable logic array, a programmable array logic, a fieldprogrammable logic array, a field programmable gate array, or othersuitable hardware devices. Additionally, the processes may beimplemented in organic components integrated with inorganic componentsand/or may be comprised entirely of organic components excluding a humanbeing. For example, the processes may be implemented as circuits inorganic semiconductors.

As depicted, object manager 124 may be implemented in computer system126. Computer system 126 is one or more computers. When more than onecomputer is present, the computers in computer system 126 maycommunicate with each other using a communications medium such as anetwork. Computer system 126 may be located all in the same location orin different geographic locations. For example, computer system 126 maybe distributed through buildings 110 or located in building 108.Portions of computer system 126 may even be located in anothergeographic location separate from manufacturing facility 112.

In managing the assembly of object 102, object manager 124 may managetasks 118 and information 128 about object 102. In the illustrativeexample, the management of tasks 118 may include at least one ofassigning tasks 118 to operators 122, monitoring the status of tasks118, organizing tasks 118, providing information about tasks 118, orother suitable operations. Information 128 may include, for example, themodels of objects, part inventories, or other suitable informationrelating to object 102.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one of,” when used with a list ofitems, means different combinations of one or more of the listed itemsmay be used and only one of each item in the list may be needed. Forexample, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may include,without limitation, item A or item A and item B. This example also mayinclude item A, item B, and item C or item B and item C. The item may bea particular object, thing, or a category. In other words, at least oneof means any combination of items and number of items may be used fromthe list but not all of the items in the list are required.

In these illustrative examples, object manager 124 may manage tasks 118using assignments 130 in the form of shop order instances 132. Forexample, object manager 124 may assign tasks through the use of shoporder instances 132 to operators 122 for performance and assembling ofobject 102. Additionally, the status of shop order instances 132 may beused to identify the state of assembly of object 102 by operators 122.

Shop order instances 132 may include various types of operations. Forexample, shop order instances 132 may include when particular parts inparts 106 should be assembled, when inspections of parts 106 assembledin object 102 should be made, or other suitable types of operations. Asanother example, other operations may include rework of one or moreparts 106 assembled in object 102.

Additionally, tasks 118 may have dependencies 133. In other words, tasks118 may be performed in a particular order. Dependencies 133 may dictatewhen tasks within tasks 118 should be performed relative to other tasksin tasks 118. Dependencies may also be for parts 106 in addition to orin place of tasks 118. In this form, dependencies 133 may result independencies 133 for tasks 118.

As a result, dependencies 133 may affect the manner in which assignments130 are made as shop order instances 132. In particular, dependencies133 may be used to determine when shop order instances 132 should beperformed.

In these illustrative examples, object manager 124 may provide differentfunctions and capabilities for assembling object 102. For example,object manager 124 may include at least one of object visualizationsystem 134, shop order visualization system 135, or other types ofsystems. The systems may be implemented using hardware, software, orsome combination thereof.

In one illustrative example, object visualization system 134 may providea visualization of object 102 to operators 122. In particular, operators122 may perform queries using object visualization system 134 to view anumber of sections 136 in object 102. In particular, sections 136 may besections that correspond to sections at manufacturing facility 112 forassembly of object 102, such as aircraft 104.

In these illustrative examples, the manufacturing may include at leastone of fabricating components for parts, assembling components to formparts, assembling parts for object 102, or some other suitablemanufacturing operation performed to assemble object 102.

For example, object manager 124 may provide visual information about allof object 102 or one or more specific sections of object 102. This typeof visualization may be especially useful when object 102 takes the formof aircraft 104. Information 128 may be used when operators 122 performtasks 118 with respect to parts 106 to assemble aircraft 104.

In another illustrative example, shop order visualization system 135 mayprovide a visualization of status 137 of shop order instances 132. Thisinformation may be provided visually to operators 122. In particular,object manager 124 may function as shop order visualization system 135as well as provide other suitable functions in managing the assembly ofobject 102.

In some illustrative examples, the visualization of status 137 of shoporder instances 132 may be provided with respect to parts 106 present inaircraft 104 for a particular state of aircraft 104. In this manner,operators 122 may visualize parts 106 in aircraft 104 that are actuallypresent for a particular state, such as a particular state alongpositions in an assembly line for aircraft 104 or other suitableobjects. For example, the state may be a current state of aircraft 104in the location where operators 122 perform tasks 118 to assembleaircraft 104.

Further, shop order visualization system 135 also may provide for avisualization of assemblies 142 of parts 106. This visualization may aidoperators 122 in performing assembly of parts 106 for aircraft 104. Forexample, this visualization may provide context for assembly 144 withrespect to assemblies 142 of parts 106 in a particular location withinaircraft 104.

Turning now to FIG. 2, an illustration of a block diagram of an objectmanager is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.Examples of components that may be implemented in object manager 124 areshown in this figure.

As depicted, object manager 124 includes a number of differentcomponents. For example, object manager 124 includes assignment manager202, object visualizer 204, inventory identifier 205, status identifier206, and graphical user interface 207. These different components andobject manager 124 may be implemented using hardware, software, or somecombination thereof. As used herein, a “number of” when used withreference to items means one or more items. For example, a number ofdifferent components means one or more different components.

Graphical user interface 207 is configured to provide an interface foroperators 122 to interact with object manager 124. In these illustrativeexamples, graphical user interface 207 may be displayed on displaysystem 208 in interface system 209. Display system 208 is hardware andmay include one or more display devices selected from at least one of aliquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting display (LED), an organiclight emitting display (OLED), or other suitable types of displaydevices.

Input may be received from operators 122 through input system 210 ininterface system 209. In this illustrative example, input system 210 isa hardware system. Input system 210 may include one or more devices.These devices may include at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, ajoystick, a touchscreen panel, or other suitable types of devices.

In this illustrative example, assignment manager 202 is configured tomanage assignments 130 in the form of shop order instances 132 in shoporder database 211. For example, assignment manager 202 may be used toassign tasks 118 to operators 122 using shop order instances 132.Additionally, assignment manager 202 also may be configured to receiveinformation about the performance of tasks 118 assigned through shoporder instances 132. This information may be used by assignment manager202 to generate and update status 212 for shop order instances 132.

Additionally, shop order database 211 also may include dependencystructures 213. Dependency structures 213 may be used to describedependencies 133 between at least one of parts 106 and tasks 118. Forexample, a first part may need to be installed before a second part isinstalled. As another example, a first task for installing a part mayneed to be performed prior to a second task for inspecting theinstallation of the part. Dependency structures 213 describe theserelationships between at least one of parts 106 and tasks 118 forassembling object 102.

Object visualizer 204 is configured to generate graphicalrepresentations 214 for parts 106. Graphical representations 214 may bedisplayed on graphical user interface 207 in display system 208. Asdepicted, object visualizer 204 is configured to access model database215. Object visualizer 204 may identify model 216 from models 217 inmodel database 215 for object 102 and, in particular, for aircraft 104.Model 216 is used to generate graphical representations 214 in thisillustrative example.

In these illustrative examples, graphical representations 214 may begenerated for sections 136 of object 102, which may take the form ofaircraft 104. In this illustrative example, model 216 may be identifiedfor object 102 from models 217 in model database 215. Models 217 maytake various forms. For example, without limitation, models 217 mayinclude computer-aided design (CAD) files.

Each model in models 217 may be for a particular object. These objectsmay be of the same type but used for different instances. For example,models 217 may be for a particular type of aircraft but may be used fora different instance. Each model may be for a particular aircraft thatis being assembled for a customer. Further, the different models may befor the same aircraft model but may have variations for differentoptions selected by a customer. In other illustrative examples, models217 may include models for different types of aircraft 104.

The generation of graphical representations 214 may be based on all ofmodel 216 or a group of volumes 218 in model 216. These items may havedifferent shapes. For example, volume 219 in volumes 218 may be a cube,a cuboid, a cylinder, a sphere, or some other suitable shape. As yetanother illustrative example, volume 219 may have an irregular shape.

In these illustrative examples, volume 219 is for at least a portion ofa part in parts 106 of object 102. Volume 219 may be large enough toencompass the part. Volume 219 may also be larger than the part. Inthese illustrative examples, volume 219 may comprise an amount of spacearound the part for viewing the part in a graphical user interface. Forexample, the amount of space around the part may be for viewing the partin the graphical user interface from one or more angles. In thisexample, the one or more angles may be one or more angles from the pointof view of an operator. In this example, the point of view of theoperator may be of an operator performing a task associated with thepart.

In one illustrative example, the identification of volume 219 may bebased on the selection of shop order instance 250 in shop orderinstances 132. In this illustrative example, shop order instance 250 isfor assembly 144. In these illustrative examples, assembly 144 iscomprised of two or more of parts 106 that are assembled or puttogether. In this illustrative example, shop order instance 250 may befor the assembly, inspection, rework, or other operations with respectto assembly 144.

As depicted, volume 219 may be for assembly 144 for shop order instance250. In other words, volume 219 encompasses assembly 144. Further, inthe illustrative examples, volume 219 also includes other assemblieswithin assemblies 142 that may be adjacent to or within some selecteddistance of assembly 144.

The selected distance may be selected in a number of different ways. Forexample, the selected distance may be the distance at which otherassemblies of parts may affect the manner in which an operator performsthe assembly of parts to form an assembly for a particular shop orderinstance. In other illustrative examples, the selected distance for thevolume may be based on preselected distances based on manufacturingspecifications, inspection procedures, and other factors.

In the illustrative examples, volume 219 may be identified dynamicallywhen an operator selects shop order instance 250 that includes assembly144. In other illustrative examples, volume 219 for assembly 144 may beidentified and stored within volume database 220. That is, a group ofvolumes 218 may be identified in model 216 using volume database 220 inwhich the group of volumes 218 is for assemblies 142 of parts 106 foraircraft 104.

As depicted, a group of volumes 218 may be identified in model 216 usingvolume database 220. Volume database 220 is a collection of informationthat may be used to identify which volumes in volumes 218 may bedisplayed as graphical representations 214. In particular, thecollection of information may include volume identifiers 221. Forexample, volume identifier 222 in volume identifiers 221 may definevolume 219 in volumes 218.

In addition to identifying volumes 218 for assemblies 142, the group ofvolumes 218 also may be identified for other purposes in accordance withan illustrative embodiment. For example, an identification of volume 219also may be made using sectional view 223 from sectional views 224 insectional view database 225. In other words, volume 219 corresponds tosectional view 223 of where assembly 144 is located in aircraft 104 insome illustrative examples. Thus, in the illustrative examples, volumes218 correspond to at least one of sectional views 224, assemblies 142,or other selection standards.

Sectional views 224 may include sectional views of the differentobjects. For example, sectional view 223 may correspond to model 216. Anoperator may select the group of volumes 218 using sectional view 223displayed on graphical user interface 207 in this particular example.

As depicted, sectional views 224 in sectional view database 225 mayprovide views of sections 136 for object 102. In the illustrativeexamples, sections 136 correspond to sections as manufactured forassembly of object 102. In particular, sections 136 may correspond tosections as manufactured for assembly of aircraft 104.

Further, sectional views 224 may include different levels of detail. Forexample, sectional views 224 may include a hierarchy of levels in whichthe lower levels have more detail about aircraft 104 than higher levelsin the hierarchy. In some illustrative examples, a selection of asectional view in sectional views 224 may result in another sectionalview being displayed. In other illustrative examples, a selection madein a sectional view may result in graphical representations 214 beinggenerated from model 216 and displayed on graphical user interface 207.In this manner, an operator may visually query aircraft 104 through thedifferent sectional views in sectional views 224.

As a result, operator interaction generating user input with sectionalview 223 displayed in graphical user interface 207 may be used toidentify volumes 218 in model 216. The user input may be used toidentify volume identifier 222 from volume identifiers 221. Volumeidentifier 222 may point to volume 219 in model 216.

In these illustrative examples, object visualizer 204 may generatequeries using volume identifiers 221 to obtain information from model216 in model database 215. In particular, information may be data aboutvolume 219 in model 216 for aircraft 104.

As depicted, object visualizer 204 also may be configured to generategraphical representations 214 for states 226 of object 102. In theseillustrative examples, states 226 may be used for object 102 in the formof aircraft 104. In other words, aircraft 104 may have different partsin parts 106 that are installed at different states within states 226.In the illustrative examples, states 226 may take the form of conditionsof assembly 227 for object 102.

For example, states 226 may be based on positions 114 of aircraft 104within assembly location 107 in building 108. In these illustrativeexamples, states 226 may be selected from at least one of planned states228 or actual states 229.

Aircraft 104 may have different planned states in planned states 228 indifferent positions in positions 114. In this illustrative example, aplanned state in planned states 228 includes the parts that are expectedto be installed at a particular position in positions 114. In otherwords, these parts may or may not have been installed at that position.

In these illustrative examples, the planned state may be based on thepast position, current position, or the future position of aircraft 104in positions 114. In other words, graphical representations 214 may begenerated for any position that is present for planned states 228 foraircraft 104.

As depicted, an actual state in actual states 229 includes parts 106that have actually been installed in aircraft 104. In other words, aparticular state may have a selected number of parts that are installedat that state. The actual state in actual states 229 may be based on atleast one of a past position or the current position of aircraft 104. Inother words, graphical representations 214 may be generated for parts106 actually installed at a prior point in time. This prior point intime may be selected by an operator. In this manner, an operator mayview tasks 118 performed to install parts 106 at some prior point intime.

Additionally, the actual state may be the current state of aircraft 104.In other words, graphical representations 214 may be generated for parts106 that have been installed at the current point in time. In thismanner, graphical representations 214 may be used to visualize parts 106that are currently present in aircraft 104.

In these illustrative examples, the identification of parts that havealready been installed or parts installed in prior points in time may beidentified using shop order instances 132. In particular, shop orderinstances 132 may indicate whether or what parts in parts 106 have beeninstalled.

Model database 215 is a database of models for objects. In theseillustrative examples, these models may be, for example, computer-aideddesign models (CAD). Of course, any type of model that may provideinformation about the three-dimensional geometries of objects may beused. Additionally, these models may also include other informationabout materials, instruction assemblies, or other suitable types ofinformation.

As depicted, inventory identifier 205 is configured to access inventorydatabase 230. Inventory database 230 contains information about parts.Inventory database 230 may include information about whether parts arein stock, when parts will be delivered, the number of parts available,or other suitable types of information.

As depicted, status identifier 206 is configured to provide avisualization of the status for one or more of shop order instances 132.In this illustrative example, status identifier 206 is configured toprovide an operator a graphical front end through graphical userinterface 207 to identify the status of a shop order instance in aspecific location of object 102, such as aircraft 104. This informationmay be identified without the operator knowing the coordinates of theparticular location.

In these illustrative examples, object visualizer 204 is configured toidentify a model of object 102, such as aircraft 104. For example,object visualizer 204 may identify the model in model database 215 forobject 102.

Status identifier 206 is also configured to identify shop orderinstances 132 for object 102. The identification may be made throughinteraction with assignment manager 202.

In the illustrative example, status identifier 206 is also configured toidentify status 212 of shop order instances 132. This identificationalso may be made through assignment manager 202.

Object visualizer 204 is configured to display graphical representations214 of parts 106 in FIG. 1 for a group of shop order instances 132 ingraphical user interface 207 on a display device in display system 208.The generation of graphical representations 214 may be based on theidentification of a group of shop order instances 132. In other words,object visualizer 204 is configured to receive an identification ofparts in the group of shop order instances 132. The identification ofthese parts may be used to generate graphical representations 214.

In these illustrative examples, object visualizer 204 may displaygraphical representations 214 for parts 106 for a group of shop orderinstances 132 for parts 106 that are present in object 102 for aparticular state in states 226. In other words, graphicalrepresentations 214 of parts 106 may be for parts 106 that are presentbased on conditions of assembly 227. In particular, when displayinggraphical representations 214 for parts 106 for a group of shop orderinstances 132, parts 106 may be present for an actual state in actualstates 229 and includes parts 106 that have actually been installed inaircraft 104. This actual state may be current state 233 of assembly ofobject 102. This current state may be for a particular position at whichshop order instances 132 are being processed for object 102.

In other words, parts 106 that are not present in object 102 at aparticular position in positions 114 where shop order instances 132 areperformed in that position in positions 114 are not displayed withgraphical representations 214 of those parts that are absent. As aresult, operators 122 at a particular position in positions 114performing tasks 118 for shop order instances 132 in that position inpositions 114 may see more information about shop order instances 132.

Further, status identifier 206 is also configured to display a set ofgraphical indicators 231 in association with graphical representations214 of parts 106 displayed on graphical user interface 207 by objectvisualizer 204. As used herein, a “set of,” when used with referenceitems, means one or more items. For example, a set of graphicalindicators 231 is one or more of graphical indicators 231.

In these illustrative examples, a graphical indicator in graphicalindicators 231 is considered to be displayed in association with agraphical representation in graphical representations 214 when theattention of an operator viewing graphical indicators 231 is drawn tothe parts. Thus, the graphical indicator may be displayed as part of thegraphical representation, on the graphical representation, in someproximity of the graphical representation, or in some other suitablemanner that draws attention to the graphical representation.

The set of graphical indicators 231 displayed in association withgraphical representations 214 of parts 106 may take different forms. Forexample, the set of graphical indicators 231 may be selected from atleast one of a color, cross hatching, an icon, highlighting, animation,or other suitable types of graphical indicators.

Further, the group of shop order instances 132 may be identified in anumber of different ways. For example, the group of shop order instances132 may be identified by a user input to graphical user interface 207from an operator. For example, the user input received may be aselection of the group of shop order instances 132.

In another illustrative example, the identification of the group of shoporder instances 132 may be identified from a user input selecting agroup of parts 106 in object 102 in FIG. 1. The selection of the groupof parts 106 may be one of a selection of the group of parts 106 from alist of parts 106 and a selection of the group of parts 106 from adisplay of graphical representations 214 of parts 106 in graphical userinterface 207.

In some illustrative examples, the group of parts 106 may be identifiedfrom user input selecting shop order instance 250. With this selectionof shop order instance 250, volume 219 is identified and graphicalrepresentations 214 for assembly 144 as well as one or more of otherassemblies in assemblies 142 within volume 219 may be displayed.

In this manner, the context of assembly 144 for shop order instance 250with respect to other assemblies in assemblies 142 may be visualized byan operator. Further, an operator also may view assembly 144 withoutother assemblies 142 within volume 219 in some illustrative examples.

In this manner, an operator may view instructions in shop order instance250 and have a better visualization of how parts 106 for assembly 144should be assembled. Additionally, a better visualization also may beprovided as to how parts 106 with respect to assembly 144 should be puttogether with respect to parts 106 for assemblies 142 that are adjacentto or within a selected location of assembly 144.

Additionally, status identifier 206 may display information about a shoporder instance for a part selected from graphical representations 214 ofparts 106 displayed in graphical user interface 207.

With this information in graphical user interface 207, real-worldoperations may be performed. For example, the assembly of object 102 inFIG. 1 may be managed based on graphical representations 214 of parts106 for shop order instances 132 and the set of graphical indicators 231displayed on graphical user interface 207. For example, identificationsof operations that should be performed may be made using thisvisualization.

In some illustrative examples, the visualization may be only of parts106 actually present in aircraft 104 at a particular position inpositions 114. In particular, graphical representations 214 of parts 106are only for parts 106 that are present for current state 233 ofassembly of object 102. In this manner, operators 122 may more easilyvisualize tasks 118 that may need to be performed with respect to parts106 for object 102.

Further, this visualization for operators 122 with respect to parts 106actually present in aircraft 104 may also be applied to the display ofassembly 144 in volume 219. As described above, the display of assembly144 in volume 219 is a display of graphical representations 214 forparts 106 that are present in assembly 144.

In FIG. 2, different components are illustrated as being located inobject manager 124. These different components may be used as part ofdifferent systems. The systems may include at least one of objectvisualization system 134, shop order visualization system 135, and othersuitable systems. A component in object manager 124 may be used in morethan one system. For example, object visualizer 204 may be in bothobject visualization system 134 and shop order visualization system 135.In other words, the different components illustrated in object manager124 may be used at the same time by different systems in object manager124.

Turning now to FIG. 3, an illustration of a block diagram of a sectionalview is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Anexample of one implementation for sectional view 223 in FIG. 2 is shown.

As depicted, sectional view 223 includes a number of different pieces ofinformation. For example, sectional view 223 includes sections 300 andhotspots 302.

Sections 300 are graphical representations corresponding to sections 136for object 102 and, in particular, aircraft 104 in FIG. 1. In theseillustrative examples, sections 300 may be located in a single image,multiple images, or some other suitable form. Graphical representationsare in an exploded view in this illustrative example. Further, sections300 are graphical representations corresponding to sections 136manufactured for assembly of aircraft 104.

In these illustrative examples, sections 300 may be selectable. Aselection of section 304 in sections 300 having hotspot 306 results in avolume corresponding to section 304 in model 216 being displayed in thisillustrative example. Hotspot 306 may be a pointer to volume identifier222 associated with volume 219. For example, hotspot 306 may include auniversal resource locator, or some other suitable addressing conventionto identify volume identifier 222 from volume identifiers 221 in volumedatabase 220.

Turning now to FIG. 4, an illustration of a block diagram of a volumeidentifier is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Inthis illustrative example, one implementation for volume identifier 222in FIG. 2 is shown.

Volume identifier 222 includes a number of components. As depicted,volume identifier 222 includes identifier 400 and volume descriptor 402.

Identifier 400 distinguishes volume identifier 222 from others of volumeidentifiers 221 that may be present in volume database 220. Identifier400 may take various forms. For example, identifier 400 may be a word, aphrase, a number, an alphanumeric string, or some other suitable form.

Volume descriptor 402 describes the volume in model 216. For example,volume descriptor 402 may take the form of coordinates 406. Coordinates406 are in the coordinate system used by model 216 in this example. Forexample, coordinates 406 may be three coordinates that may be used todefine a polygon, a cube, or a cuboid. Of course, other information maybe present in volume descriptor 402 other than coordinates 406. Forexample, volume descriptor 402 may include a single coordinate and aradius used to define volume 219 in a form of a sphere. In still otherillustrative examples, a single coordinate may be present withpre-selected offsets that define volume 219 as a cube or some othershape.

The center of volume 219 may be the location of assembly 144 and shoporder instance 250. The location may be the center of all of parts 106in assembly 144 or may be based on a particular part in parts 106 inassembly 144.

In some illustrative examples, the volume identifier may also includepoint of view 408. Point of view 408 may define the view of the volumedisplayed to an operator when graphical representations 214 aredisplayed on a graphical user interface. For example, point of view 408may include coordinates 410 of the point of view using the coordinatesystem for the volume.

With reference now to FIG. 5, an illustration of a block diagram of ashop order instance is depicted in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment. As depicted, shop order instance 500 is an example of a shoporder instance from shop order instances 132 in FIG. 1.

As depicted, shop order instance 500 may include a number of differentparts. Shop order instance 500 includes identifier 502, classification503, description 504, task 505, assigned operators 506, part identifier508, location 510, instructions 512, and status 518.

As depicted, identifier 502 may be used to uniquely identify a task intasks 118 in FIG. 1. Identifier 502 may be an alphanumeric identifier, anumber, or some other suitable type of identifier.

In the illustrative example, classification 503 is used to classify theshop order instance. This classification may be based on the type oftask to be performed. For example, the classifications may include seatinstallation, wiring, line replaceable unit installation, or othersuitable types of classifications. The classification may be descriptiveor may take the form of an identifier or other type of code.

Description 504 provides a description of task 505. This description maybe a short description to provide the operator information about task505. The description may be several words or a single sentence in someillustrative examples.

Task 505 identifies the work to be performed. For example, task 505 maybe to install a part, assemble parts, perform an inspection, or someother suitable piece of work.

Assigned operators 506 identifies a group of operators that may beassigned to perform task 505. In some cases, an operator may not yet beassigned to perform task 505 for shop order instance 500.

In this illustrative example, part identifier 508 identifies a partassembled in object 102 using shop order instance 500. In thisillustrative example, part identifier 508 is a part number for the part.For example, part identifier 508 may be a serial number, a combinationof a serial number and vendor identifier, or some other suitable type ofidentification that uniquely identifies a particular part from otherparts even if those parts are the same type.

In the illustrative examples, part identifier 508 may be used togenerate the graphical representation of the parts identified. Forexample, part identifier 508 may be used to locate the information in amodel needed to generate the graphical representation of the part fordisplay.

Location 510 identifies the location where task 505 is to be performed.This location may be in coordinates for object 102 or some othercoordinate system.

Instructions 512 are a group of instructions for performing task 505. Inparticular, the group of instructions may be for assembling a group ofparts. These instructions may be step-by-step instructions, guidance, orother suitable types of instructions. These instructions may provideguidance for assembling parts, inspecting parts, or other suitableoperations that may be performed for task 505. Instructions 512 also mayinclude plans for the location in which task 505 is to be performed.

As depicted, status 518 provides information about the performance oftask 505 for shop order instance 500. In this illustrative example, thestatus may indicate that work is to be performed, has been completed, isin progress, is unassigned, has been planned, is on hold, is ready, hasbeen canceled, or some other suitable status for shop order instance500. The status may be indicated using text, codes, symbols, or othersuitable mechanisms. Additionally, if status 518 indicates that the workto be performed has been completed, status 518 also may include a dateand time of when work for performing task 505 occurred.

Turning next to FIG. 6, an illustration of a block diagram of a statefor a section of an aircraft is depicted in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. In this depicted example, state 600 is anexample of the state in states 226.

In this illustrative example, state 600 is a data structure that storesinformation about parts that may be present for state 600. This datastructure may be, for example, a flat file, a linked list, a record in adatabase, or some other suitable type of data structure.

State 600 may take the form of planned state 602, actual state 604, orboth. In these illustrative examples, state 600 may be condition ofassembly 606 for a particular position of aircraft 104 in positions 114in FIG. 1. In particular, condition of assembly 606 may be a conditionof assembly in conditions of assembly 227 in FIG. 2.

In this illustrative example, state 600 includes parts 608. Parts 608are parts present in aircraft 104 for state 600 selected for aircraft104. As depicted, parts 608 may be identified using part identifiers610. Part identifiers 610 may take various forms. For example, partidentifier 612 in part identifiers 610 may be a part number for part 614in parts 608. For example, part identifier 612 may be a serial number, acombination of a serial number and vendor identifier, or some othersuitable type of identification. In the illustrative examples, partidentifier 612 may be any identifier that uniquely identifies aparticular part from other parts even if those parts are the same type.

In this illustrative example, state 600 may be used by object visualizer204 in object manager 124 to generate graphical representations 214 forparts 608 that may be present for state 600. In these illustrativeexamples, state 600 represents a particular position of aircraft 104 inpositions 114. As a result, only parts 608 present for aircraft 104 aredisplayed in graphical representations 214 on graphical user interface207.

This type of display may be especially useful when managing shop orderinstances 132. Operators 122 that may plan or perform other operationswith respect to shop order instances 132 may more easily visualizestatus 137 for shop order instances 132 when parts 608 present foraircraft 104 are displayed in graphical representations 214 on graphicaluser interface 207.

With reference now to FIG. 7, an illustration of a block diagram of adependency structure is depicted in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment. As depicted, dependency structure 700 is an example of adependency structure in dependency structures 213 in FIG. 2. Inparticular, dependency structure 700 is a data structure used todescribe a dependency in dependencies 133 in FIG. 1. As depicted,dependency structure 700 includes rule 702, graphical indicator 704, anddescription 706.

Dependency structure 700 may be used to generate an indication of thepresence of dependency structure 700 with respect to parts that may beinstalled using shop order instances. For example, dependency structure700 may be displayed in conjunction with, or as part of, the status ofthe shop order instance on graphical user interface 207 in FIG. 2. Forexample, dependency structure 700 may be used to indicate that aparticular shop order instance may not be performed before another one.In other words, the status of the shop order instance may be not ready.Dependency structure 700 may be used to indicate what the other shoporder instance may need to be completed.

Rule 702 identifies at least one of a relationship between a number ofparts, a relationship between a number of tasks, or a relationshipbetween a number of parts and a number of tasks. For example, rule 702may identify that a first part is dependent on a second part. The secondpart may be required to be available before the first part can beinstalled.

As another illustrative example, rule 702 may identify that a secondtask requires a first task to be performed before the second task can beperformed. The first task may be, for example, inspecting a floor of anaircraft cabin. The second task may be to install a row of seats on thefloor after the first task has been completed.

In yet another illustrative example, rule 702 may identify that a taskrequires a part to perform the task. For example, the task may be toinspect the part, thus, requiring access to the part. Additionally, rule702 may also identify that a particular type of access is required for aparticular task for a particular part. For example, the task may be toinspect the bottom of the part, thus, requiring access to the bottom ofthe part.

As depicted, graphical indicator 704 identifies an indicator for usewhen showing a dependency in graphical user interface 207. Graphicalindicator 704 is selected to draw attention to the fact that adependency is present for a particular shop order instance.

Description 706 in dependency structure 700 identifies information thatmay be displayed to an operator while showing the dependency ingraphical user interface 207. In one illustrative example, description706 may identify another shop order instance that may need to beperformed. Description 706 may identify the shop order instanceidentifier, the part, or other information needed for an operator tounderstand what other work in another shop order instance may depend onthe particular part or task for a current shop order instance.

In these illustrative examples, rule 702, graphical indicator 704, anddescription 706 may be selected by operators and by instructions in shoporder instances. In other illustrative examples, these operators may be,for example, designers, engineers, managers, installers, or otheroperators that may provide input for the dependency identified bydependency structure 700.

Turning now to FIG. 8, an illustration of a graph of dependencies isdepicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In thisillustrative example, the edges between tasks and parts in graph 800 aredependencies, such as dependencies 133 in FIG. 1. In this illustration,the sequence of assembly is shown as going in the direction of arrow 802over a period of time. Dependency inheritance for tasks and parts are inthe direction of arrow 804.

As depicted in graph 800, task 806 has dependency 808 for part 810; part812 has dependency 814 for part 810; task 816 has dependency 818 fortask 806; part 820 has dependency 822 for part 812; and task 824 hasdependency 826 for part 820 and dependency 828 for part 812. Further, inthis illustrative example, part 830 has dependency 832 for task 816,dependency 834 for part 820, and dependency 836 for task 824.

Part 810, part 812, part 820, and part 830 are examples of parts inparts 106 in FIG. 1. Task 806, task 816, and task 824 are examples oftasks in tasks 118 in FIG. 1. Dependency 808, dependency 814, dependency818, dependency 822, dependency 826, dependency 828, dependency 832,dependency 834, and dependency 836 are examples of dependencies 133 inFIG. 1 that may be described using dependency structures 213 in FIG. 2.

In these illustrative examples, graph 800 is based on parts 106, tasks118, and dependencies 133. Graph 800 may be created, modified, orcreated and modified by operators 122 in FIG. 1.

Graph 800 may be also modified by instructions in shop order instances132 in FIG. 1. For example, an operator may add a number of parts, anumber of tasks, and a number of dependencies to graph 800. An operatormay also modify a number of parts, a number of tasks, and number ofdependencies in graph 800. For example, an operator may remove adependency in graph 800 that is no longer necessary for a performance ofan assembly of an aircraft. As another example, an operator may add anew dependency that is necessary for a performance of an assembly of anaircraft. As still another example, instructions may be provided in shoporder instances 132 in FIG. 1 to add and modify parts, tasks anddependencies in graph 800.

In other illustrative examples, the sequence of assembly anddependencies for tasks and parts may go in different and additionaldirections in graph 800. For example, other dependencies for task 806may include a dependency for task 816 and a dependency for part 812.

The illustration of the different components that may be used inmanufacturing environment 100 in FIGS. 1-8 is not meant to implyphysical or architectural limitations to the manner in which anillustrative embodiment may be implemented. Other components in additionto or in place of the ones illustrated may be used. Some components maybe unnecessary. Also, the blocks are presented to illustrate somefunctional components. One or more of these blocks may be combined,divided, or combined and divided into different blocks when implementedin an illustrative embodiment. For example, although the illustrativeexamples are described with respect to an aircraft, an illustrativeembodiment may be applied to other objects other than aircraft, such as,for example, without limitation, a vehicle, a submarine, a personnelcarrier, a tank, a train, an automobile, a bus, a spacecraft, a surfaceship, a spacecraft, a satellite, a rocket, an engine, a computer,harvesters, construction cranes, bulldozers, mining equipment, or othersuitable types of objects.

In another illustrative example, a selection of section 304 with hotspot306 may result in an inquiry being generated directly without usingvolume database 220. For example, hotspot 306 may include a query forthe volume corresponding to section 304.

As another illustrative example, other information may also be presentin dependency structure 700 in addition to rule 702, graphical indicator704, and description 706. For example, dependency structure 700 may alsoinclude a universal resource locator.

For example, a universal resource locator (URL) in an instance ofdependency structure 700 may be a pointer to a document describing thedependency. The universal resource locator may be presented as a link toadditional information. For example, the link may be shown wheninformation about the instance of dependency structure 700 is presentedin a graphical user interface. With this feature, an operator selectingthe link as displayed in a graphical user interface results in thedocument pointed to by the universal resource locator being retrieved.The retrieved document may then be displayed, for example, in a windowin the graphical user interface.

With reference now to FIGS. 9-15, illustrations of the display ofgraphical user interfaces for identifying the status of shop orderinstances are depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.These figures illustrate one manner in which graphical user interface207 in FIG. 2 may be implemented. The different graphical userinterfaces may be displayed on a display system, such as display system208 in FIG. 2, and an operator may interact with the graphical userinterfaces using an input system, such as input system 210 in FIG. 2.

With reference to FIG. 9, an illustration of a graphical user interfacefor viewing statuses of shop order instances is depicted in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment. In this illustrative example, graphicaluser interface 900 displays buildings 902 including building 904,building 906, and building 908.

In this particular example, each building in buildings 902 in graphicaluser interface 900 represents a location where manufacturing of aircraftoccurs. Each building may correspond to a database of aircraft that aremanufactured within the building.

Turning now to FIG. 10, an illustration of aircraft positions in abuilding is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Inthis illustrative example, aircraft positions 1000 are displayed ingraphical user interface 1002. These positions correspond to tasks thatmay be performed at different stages of the assembly of an aircraft.

In this particular example, aircraft positions 1000 include position1004, position 1006, position 1008, position 1010, and position 1012. Inthese illustrative examples, certain tasks are performed in differentpositions in aircraft positions 1000. In other words, the aircraftassembly progresses from position to position with different parts beingadded to the aircraft at the different positions in aircraft positions1000.

A selection of one of these positions results in identifying graphicalrepresentations for parts that would be installed at a particularposition as well as any parts that may have been installed from a priorposition. As a result, parts that are not to be installed into asubsequent position are not present. For example, an aircraft inposition 1012 is a fully configured aircraft. An aircraft in position1010 may not have seats and carpet. An aircraft in position 1008 may notinclude stove ends, lavatories, galleys, and other parts. Thesedifferent positions in aircraft positions 1000 may have differentconditions of assembly for the aircraft in these illustrative examples.

In these illustrative examples, each of these positions may have modelsassociated with the position. These models may contain the parts thatare present in the aircraft for a particular position. As a result, aselection of a position results in a selection of models that may beused to display graphical representations of parts. As a result, modelsfor positions with fewer parts may be queried more quickly to identifyinformation to generate graphical representations of parts for theaircraft.

Additionally, in these illustrative examples, shop order instances in ashop order database may be identified for each of the positions. Inother words, each position may have a shop order database containingshop order instances that may be generated for those particularpositions. As a result, positions with fewer parts have fewer shop orderinstances to monitor or manage. In this manner, faster query of a shoporder database for a particular position may be made when that databaseis for a position with fewer parts. After the selection of the position,an operator may select a section of aircraft for review.

Turning now to FIG. 11, an illustration of a graphical user interface ofaircraft sections is depicted in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment. In this illustrative example, graphical user interface 1100displays sections 1102 for an aircraft in area 1104 of graphical userinterface 1100. In this illustrative example, sections 1102 are forposition 1012 of the aircraft in FIG. 10.

As depicted, sectional view 1105 is displayed in area 1104 of graphicaluser interface 1100. Sectional view 1105 is an example of oneimplementation for sectional view 223 shown in block form in FIG. 2 andFIG. 5. In this particular example, sectional view 1105 may be for anaircraft in position 1012 in FIG. 10.

An operator may select a section from sections 1102. As depicted,sections 1102 are examples of sections 300 in FIG. 3 as displayed ingraphical user interface 1100. Sections 1102 are selectable in thisparticular example. In other words, sections 1102 may include hotspots.These hotspots are not seen in this illustrative example. Hotspots areareas in graphical user interface 1100 that may be selected to cause anaction. In these illustrative examples, these hotspots correspond tosections 1102. The hotspots may encompass sections 1102 or may be aroundsections 1102 or some combination thereof.

As another example, section 1106 is an example of a section in sections1102 that may be selected. A selection of this section results in a moredetailed illustration of section 1106 being displayed. In this example,section 1106 is an upper barrel portion of an aircraft.

Additionally, an identification of the parts present in the section isalso made in response to the user selection of a particular section.This identification may include any parts that are present for theparticular position of the aircraft in that section. In other words, thesame section of an aircraft in different positions may have differentparts that are present based on tasks for installing parts. Thisidentification may be made through the use of states 226 in FIG. 2.

In the illustrative example, an operator may select to view the entireaircraft by selecting entire aircraft in area 1108 in graphical userinterface 1100. In other words, the volume for display may be the entireaircraft. Further, an operator may select groups of sections 1102. Asdepicted, the selection may be made by selecting one of area 1110, area1112, area 1114, area 1116, area 1118, and area 1120 in graphical userinterface 1100. In these illustrative examples, these areas havehotspots. In this manner, an operator may view different portions of anaircraft in a manner that suits the particular query that the operatordesires.

In this illustrative example, other types of queries may be made throughgraphical user interface 1100. For example, search button 1122 may beused to initiate a search for a particular shop order instance. Thissearch may be performed to provide visualizations of an assemblyassociated with the particular shop order instance.

With reference now to FIG. 12, an illustration of a graphical userinterface for querying a shop order instance is depicted in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment. In this depicted example, the selectionof search button 1122 results in window 1200 being displayed ingraphical user interface 1100.

Window 1200 may be used to perform a visual search in this illustrativeexample. As depicted, a shop order instance identifier may be enteredinto field 1202 in window 1200. Pressing search button 1204 results ininitiating a search for the shop order instance identifier that isentered. Selection of cancel button 1206 cancels the search in thisillustrative example.

The illustration of graphical user interface 900 with buildings 902 inFIG. 9, graphical user interface 1002 with aircraft positions 1000 inFIG. 10, graphical user interface 1100 in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 areexamples of multilevel querying that may be performed in accordance withan illustrative embodiment. As depicted, the selection of a buildingfrom buildings 902 may select a particular model for an aircraft. Theparticular model may be displayed with positions using graphical userinterface 1002. The selection of a position may result in another viewbeing displayed with sections 1102 in graphical user interface 1100. Inthis manner, an operator may more easily traverse models of differentaircraft, depending on the position selected.

In addition to the multilevel querying, graphical user interface 1100 inFIG. 11 also provides an interface to visualize an assembly for a shoporder instance. As described above, window 1200 is configured to receivethe identification of a shop order instance. With this identification, avisualization of an assembly for the shop order instance may bedisplayed as described below.

In FIG. 13, an illustration of a graphical user interface with a visualrepresentation from the shop order instance is depicted in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment. In this depicted example, graphicaluser interface 1300 displays a view of a volume. This volume includes agraphical representation of parts 1301 in assembly 1302. In thisillustrative example, assembly 1302 takes the form of row of seats 1304.

Further, other assemblies are displayed in the volume in graphical userinterface 1300. For example, row of seats 1305, row of seats 1306, rowof seats 1307, row of seats 1308, storage closet 1309, and lavatory 1310in this particular volume are displayed for assembly 1302 in graphicaluser interface 1300.

In addition, graphical indicator 1312 may be displayed in associationwith assembly 1302 to indicate the status of this shop order instance.In this illustrative example, graphical indicator 1313 is displayed inassociation with row of seats 1305, graphical indicator 1314 isdisplayed in association with row of seats 1306, graphical indicator1315 is displayed in association with row of seats 1307, graphicalindicator 1316 is displayed in association with row of seats 1308,graphical indicator 1317 is displayed in association with storage closet1309, and graphical indicator 1318 is displayed in association withlavatory 1310. These graphical indicators also may indicate a status ofshop order instances for the assembly displayed to provide a visualcontext for assembly 1302.

In this manner, an operator viewing the shop order instance for assembly1302 may see the assembly of parts 1301 visually in context with otherassemblies as shown visually in graphical user interface 1300. Thisvisual context may provide a visualization for instructions in the shoporder instance for assembling assembly 1302.

Further, when graphical indicators are provided that indicate the statusof shop order instances, an operator may gain additional informationabout the context of the particular assembly of interest in a shop orderinstance with respect to other assemblies.

In this particular example, the assemblies displayed in graphical userinterface 1300 are assemblies present for a particular state in states226. For example, the state may be for a particular state at a selectedposition in positions 114 where the task for a shop order instance is tobe performed. In another example, assemblies displayed may be for someother state that has already occurred or one that is planned for theaircraft.

Additionally, in graphical user interface 1300, an operator is able totraverse different parts of the volume displayed to view and examineassembly 1302 as well as other assemblies in the volume displayed.

For example, an operator may select a graphical representation in thegraphical representations for assembly 1302. The selection of thegraphical representation for assembly 1302 may provide a closer view ofassembly 1302.

In another illustrative example, the graphical representations of thedifferent assemblies in the volume displayed in graphical user interface1300 may be traversed using commands 1320 displayed in menu 1322. Inthis illustrative example, commands 1320 include top 1324, bottom 1326,side 1328, perspective 1330, and context 1332.

In this illustrative example, context 1332 may allow for the display ofassembly 1302 to be in the context of other assemblies or without thecontext of other assemblies. In other words, only assembly 1302 may bedisplayed without the other parts present.

Of course, these commands for different views are only examples and notmeant to encompass all the different types of commands that may be usedto view graphical representations of particular parts. For example,commands such as zoom, pan, and other suitable commands also may bepresent in addition to or in place of the ones depicted in thisillustrative example.

Additionally, in some cases, a part identifier may be entered into partfield 1334. By entering a part identifier, different views of aparticular part may be seen by the operator. Additionally, the operatormay also select a command for commands 1320 to provide a particular viewof the part.

Of course, other processes may be used to traverse and view graphicalrepresentations of parts 1301 in assembly 1302 as well as parts forother assemblies. These types of processes may include those typicallyused with computer-aided design software and other types of software inwhich graphical representations of parts may be viewed and traversed.

Turning next to FIG. 14, an illustration of a display of shop orderinstance information is depicted in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment. As depicted, graphical user interface 1300 only displaysgraphical representations of parts 1301 for assembly 1302. The graphicalrepresentations for other assemblies are not shown in this view. In thismanner, an operator may visualize parts 1301 for assembly 1302 alonewithout other assemblies potentially obscuring the examination ofassembly 1302.

With reference next to FIG. 15, another illustration of a display ofshop order instance information is depicted in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. In this illustrative example, window 1500 isdisplayed within graphical user interface 1300 when the graphicalrepresentation of assembly 1302 is selected. Window 1500 displaysinformation about the shop order instance for assembly 1302. Thisinformation may be obtained from shop order instance 500 as illustratedin FIG. 5 as well as other sources depending on the particularimplementation.

The illustrations of the different graphical user interfaces in FIGS.9-15 are provided only as examples of some implementations for graphicaluser interface 207 in FIG. 2. These examples are not meant to limit themanner in which an illustrative embodiment may be implemented. Forexample, although the different examples are displayed with reference toaircraft, similar displays may be used for other types of vehicles orobjects. For example, the graphical user interfaces may be configuredfor sections of objects such as an automobile, a ship, a satellite, anengine, or some other suitable type of object.

As another illustrative example, the display of the different graphicaluser interfaces may be performed using other graphical user interfacesin addition to or in place of the ones depicted. Further, the order ofthe graphical user interfaces may vary from the order described above.

As another illustrative example, the display of the different graphicaluser interfaces may be performed using other graphical user interfacesin addition to or in place of the ones depicted. Further, the order ofthe graphical user interfaces may vary from the order described above.

In one illustrative example, the identification of the shop orderinstance may be performed with window 1200 as the graphical userinterface instead of graphical user interface 1100 as depicted in theillustrative example. Of course, window 1200 may be displayed with othergraphical user interfaces in addition to or in place of graphical userinterface 1100.

With reference next to FIG. 16, an illustration of a flowchart of aprocess for visualizing an assembly of parts is depicted in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment. The process illustrated in FIG. 16 maybe implemented in manufacturing environment 100 in FIG. 1. Inparticular, one or more of the different operations illustrated may beimplemented using object manager 124 in FIG. 1.

The process begins by identifying a shop order instance for the assemblyof parts for an object (operation 1600). The identification of the shoporder instance may be received in a number of different ways. Forexample, the identification may be received through user input by anoperator to a graphical user interface. One example of how this inputmay be received is through the use of window 1200 in graphical userinterface 1100 in FIG. 12. Of course, this identification of the shoporder instance may be made other ways. For example, a list of shop orderinstances may be displayed and user input may select one of the shoporder instances. These other mechanisms for identifying a particularshop order instance may be employed in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment.

The process then identifies a volume for the shop order instance(operation 1602). Next, the process identifies the parts present in thevolume (operation 1603). These parts include parts for the assembly.These parts also may include parts for other assemblies that are in thevolume. The process displays the assembly of parts within the volume incontext with other parts in the volume (operation 1604), with theprocess terminating thereafter.

With reference next to FIG. 17, an illustration of a more detailedflowchart for visually displaying an assembly is depicted in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment. The process illustrated in FIG. 17 maybe implemented in manufacturing environment 100 in FIG. 1. Inparticular, one or more of the different operations illustrated may beimplemented using object manager 124 in FIG. 1.

The process begins by displaying a graphical user interface configuredto receive an identification of a shop order instance (operation 1700).The process receives user input through the graphical user interfaceidentifying the shop order instance (operation 1702).

Next, an identification of a volume is made (operation 1704). The volumemay be identified in a number of different ways. In one illustrativeexample, the volume is based on at least one of a section in which theassembly is located, a selected distance from the assembly, or based onsome other rule or selection process.

For example, the volume may be identified from a volume database thatidentifies volumes for assemblies. This database may be, for example,volume database 220 in FIG. 2. In other illustrative examples, thevolume may be a volume based on a section in which the assembly islocated. In still other illustrative examples, the volume may beidentified based on some selected distance from the location of theassembly in the shop order instance. In this case, the volume may not belocated in a database when the shop order instance containing theassembly is identified.

Parts located in the volume are identified (operation 1706). These partsare for the assembly that is present in the volume. The assemblyincludes assembly for the shop order instance and other assemblies thatmay be located in the volume with the assembly for the shop orderinstance. These parts may be parts present in the volume for a currentstate of assembly, for example, when the aircraft is on an assemblyline. Of course, parts may be for some other state depending on theparticular implementation.

The process then displays the assembly and a number of assemblies(operation 1708). The display of the assembly and the number ofassemblies is performed by displaying graphical representations of theassemblies in the graphical user interface. This display provides avisual context of other assemblies relative to the assembly in the shoporder instance.

Next, a set of graphical indicators are displayed in association withthe display of the assembly and the number of assemblies in which theset of graphical indicators indicates the state of the shop orderinstances for at least one of the assembly and the number of assemblies(operation 1710). These graphical indicators may be associated with theassembly, parts in the assembly, or some combination thereof.

The process also displays a set of graphical indicators indicatingdependencies between parts in at least one of the assembly of parts orthe number of assemblies of other parts within the volume (operation1712).

A determination is then made as to whether the user input for a changein context display has been received (operation 1714). This change incontext display may be performed to the selection of a command such ascontext 1332 in menu 1322 in FIG. 13.

If user input for a change in context has been received, the processremoves the display of the number of assemblies (operation 1716). Inthis manner, the operator may view only the assembly for the shop orderinstance. Further, the operator may then traverse this view to obtainmore information if desired.

The process then determines whether another shop order instance is to beexamined (operation 1718). The process also proceeds to operation 1718if user input has not been received for a change in the context. Ifanother shop order instance is to be examined, the process returns tooperation 1700. Otherwise, the process terminates.

With reference now to FIG. 18, an illustration of a flowchart of aprocess for identifying the status of tasks is depicted in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment. The process illustrated in FIG. 18 maybe implemented in manufacturing environment 100 in FIG. 1. Inparticular, one or more of the different operations illustrated may beimplemented using object manager 124 in FIG. 1.

The process begins by identifying a model of the object (operation1800). The process then identifies tasks for assembling parts for theobject (operation 1802). The process identifies the status of the tasks(operation 1804).

Next, the process identifies the current state of assembly of the object(operation 1806). The process then identifies parts present in theobject for the current state of assembly of the object (operation 1808).The process then displays graphical representations of parts present forthe current state of assembly for the object for a group of shop orderinstances in a graphical user interface on a display device using themodel of the object (operation 1810), with the process terminatingthereafter. The set of graphical indicators indicates a status of aportion of the tasks for the parts displayed using the graphicalrepresentations. In addition, in this illustrative example, only partspresent for the current state of assembly of the object are displayed.In other words, only parts that are present are shown and graphicalindicators may be displayed in association with those parts to indicatea status of tasks performed such as those in shop order instances.

Turning now to FIG. 19, an illustration of a flowchart of a process foridentifying the status of shop order instances is depicted in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment. This process is an example of onemanner in which the assignment of tasks through shop order instances maybe managed. In particular, dedication of a status of different tasks inshop order instances may be identified in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. The different operations illustrated in FIG. 19may be implemented using status identifier 206 in FIG. 2.

The process begins by displaying a graphical user interface with a groupof buildings in a manufacturing facility (operation 1900). The graphicaluser interface includes hotspots for the buildings that can be selected.A hotspot is a portion of the graphical user interface that may beselected to cause an action. In these illustrative examples, thebuildings are hotspots that may be selected by an operator.

The process then receives user input selecting a building (operation1902). In the illustrative example, each building may be used toassemble a particular aircraft. The particular aircraft may be aparticular type of aircraft such as the model. In some cases, more thanone building may be used to assemble the same type of aircraft but theparticular aircraft may be a specific build for a customer with specificoptions. In other words, different aircraft of the same type may beassembled in different buildings that have different options althoughthey are of the same type.

Next, a model of the aircraft is identified from a selection of thebuilding in the group of buildings in the manufacturing facility(operation 1903). Positions in the building are identified (operation1904). Each building may have different positions for the aircraft thatare being assembled. Further, even if a building has the same positions,the status of an aircraft at a particular building at particularpositions may be different from other buildings. Further, even with thesame positions, different aircraft may be assembled in the positions indifferent buildings.

The positions are displayed in a graphical user interface (operation1906). In these illustrative examples, the different positions arehotspots that may be selected through user input entered by an operator.The process then receives user input for selecting a position.

The process then identifies a sectional view for the aircraft based on aselection of a position (operation 1908). In the illustrative example,each position may have a different sectional view that may be displayed.The sections of an aircraft in a position are the sections manufacturedat the position selected in these illustrative examples. The sectionalview includes sections for that particular position.

As depicted, the sectional view may be, for example, sectional view 223in sectional views 224 as shown in FIG. 2. Different sectional views arepresent for different positions in this illustrative example. Sectionalview 1105 in FIG. 11 is an example of a sectional view that may beselected depending on the position selected for the aircraft inoperation 1908.

In these illustrative examples, the sectional views were selected forparts that are present in the aircraft for the position. These are partsthat may already be present from assembly of the aircraft in a priorposition or may be parts that are to be assembled in the positionselected.

The process then displays sections of the aircraft (operation 1910). Inoperation 1910, the sections are displayed in the sectional view of theaircraft. Further, the different sections are displayed in associationwith hotspots that may be selected by user input entered by an operator.The process then detects a selection of a section from the sectionsdisplayed in the graphical user interface (operation 1912). In operation1912, the section has hotspots associated with the volume identifier.The selection of a section of an aircraft involves selecting the hotspotassociated with the aircraft. The hotspot points to a volume identifier,such as volume identifier 222 in FIG. 2. In some cases, the hotspot maybe a link pointing to the volume identifier. For example, the hotspotmay be an index used to identify a volume identifier.

The process then identifies a volume in the model corresponding to thesection selected from the sections displayed in the graphical userinterface (operation 1914). In these illustrative examples, each sectionof an aircraft is associated with the volume for the aircraft. Thisvolume is identified from volume identifiers associated with sections inthe sectional view using the volume identifier pointed to by the hotspotselected for the section. The volume identifier may include informationdefining the volume. For example, volume identifier 222 may includevolume descriptor 402 as depicted in FIG. 4. In particular, theidentifier may include a group of coordinates defining the volume in themodel.

Next, the process identifies a state from states of assembly for theaircraft (operation 1916). In these illustrative examples, the state ofassembly may be a condition of assembly based on the position of theaircraft within a manufacturing facility. The process then identifiesparts that are present for the state in the volume in the modelcorresponding to the section selected (operation 1918). These parts thatare present are ones that are present for a particular state for theaircraft. In this illustrative example, the parts may be those presentfor a current state of assembly of the aircraft. With the parts for thecurrent state of assembly, visualizing information about shop orderinstances may be easier.

The process then displays the section in the graphical user interfaceusing the volume in the model identified for the section selected(operation 1920). In these illustrative examples, the parts aredisplayed as graphical representations rather than a list of parts. Inthis illustrative example, the graphical representations are for partsthat are present for the state selected from the state of assembly. Inparticular, the state of assembly may be the current state of assemblyfor the object at its current position on the assembly line. Of course,in other illustrative examples, other states, past or present, may beused to perform an analysis of shop order instances that have beenperformed or may be performed. Further, the display of the parts in thedisplay may be manipulated by the operator to view the parts ofdifferent perspectives and different identifications.

The process then displays a set of graphical indicators in associationwith graphical representations of the parts displayed on the graphicaluser interface (operation 1922). In this illustrative example, thegraphical indicators take the form of colors used to display thegraphical representations of the parts. For example, the colors maycomprise at least one of red indicating that work for a part on a shoporder instance is available, green indicating that the work for the parton the shop order instance is completed, yellow indicating that the workfor the part on the shop order instance is in progress, and greyindicating that the work for the part is unassigned to the shop orderinstance.

A determination is made as to whether the review of status for shoporder instances has been completed (operation 1924). If the review hasbeen completed, the process terminates.

Otherwise, a determination is made as to whether a new section of theaircraft has been selected for the position of the aircraft (operation1926). If any section has been selected, the process then returns tooperation 1910 as described above.

If a new section has not been selected, a determination is made as towhether a new position has been selected for the aircraft (operation1928). If a new position has been selected, the process then returns tooperation 1908 as described above. If a new position has not beenselected, the process determines whether a new building has beenselected (operation 1930). If a new building has been selected, theprocess returns to operation 1904. Otherwise, the process returns tooperation 1924.

Turning now to FIG. 20, an illustration of a flowchart of a process foridentifying information about the status of a shop order instance isdepicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The processillustrated in FIG. 20 may be implemented using status identifier 206 inFIG. 2.

The process begins by receiving user input selecting a group of parts(operation 2000). In operation 2000, the user input making the selectionof the group of parts may be selected from one of a selection of thegroup of parts from a list of the parts and a selection of the group ofparts from a display of the graphical representation of the parts in thegraphical user interface.

The process then identifies a status for the group of parts selected(operation 2002). The status may be made by querying a shop orderdatabase containing shop order instances. The database may be onespecific for a particular section when these operations are implementedwith operations in FIG. 19. In another case, the database may be shoporder instances for an entire aircraft depending on the particularimplementation.

The process then displays information about the shop order instance(operation 2004), with the process terminating thereafter. Thisinformation may be displayed in the graphical user interface inassociation with the graphical representation of the group of partsselected through the user input. For example, information may bedisplayed in a window near or on top of the graphical representation ofthe group of parts selected. The information displayed may beinformation such as illustrated for shop order instance 500 in FIG. 5.

This process may be repeated any number of times for different partsselected from the graphical representations of those parts in agraphical user interface. In this manner, an operator may more easilyidentify shop order instances in a status of the shop order instancesfor particular portions of an aircraft that may be of interest to theoperator.

Turning now to FIG. 21, an illustration of a flowchart of a process fordisplaying a section in a graphical user interface is depicted inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. The different operationsillustrated in FIG. 21 are examples of an implementation for operation1920 in FIG. 19.

The process identifies the parts present in the aircraft in a completedstate (operation 2100). Thereafter, the process identifies the partspresent in the aircraft in the state selected to form a second group ofparts (operation 2102). The second group of parts is subtracted from theparts present in the aircraft in a completed state to identify a firstgroup of parts (operation 2104).

The process hides the first group of parts in the volume that is absentfrom the section of aircraft in the state selected (operation 2106). Thesecond group of parts that is not hidden in the volume is displayed todisplay the section selected in the graphical user interface (operation2108), with the process terminating thereafter.

With reference now to FIG. 22, an illustration of a flowchart of aprocess for managing dependencies for at least one of a number of partsor a number of tasks in an aircraft is depicted in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. The process illustrated in FIG. 22 may beimplemented in manufacturing environment 100 in FIG. 1. In particular,one or more of the different operations illustrated may be implementedusing object manager 124 in FIG. 1. This process may be implemented tomanage dependency structures 213 in FIG. 2 for performing tasks 118 asassigned using shop order instances 132 in FIG. 1.

The process begins by identifying at least one of a number of parts ortasks for an assembly of parts (operation 2200). The process thenidentifies a number of dependencies of at least one of the parts or thetasks for the assembly (operation 2202). The dependencies are displayed(operation 2204). The display of the dependencies may take variousforms. For example, a dependency chart that is similar to the dependencyillustrated in graph 800 in FIG. 8 may be used.

The process displays options for modifying the number of dependencies(operation 2206). The process then receives user input from an operator(operation 2208). Next, a determination is made as to whether the userinput changes the number of dependencies (operation 2210).

If a change is made to the number of dependencies, the process thenstores the change (operation 2212). The change to the number ofdependencies may include new dependencies, removed dependencies, andmodified dependencies.

The change is reflected in the display of dependencies (operation 2214),with the process terminating thereafter. With reference again tooperation 2210, if the user input does not change the dependencies, theprocess also terminates.

With reference now to FIG. 23, an illustration of a flowchart of aprocess for displaying graphical indicators of dependencies is depictedin accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process illustratedin FIG. 23 may be implemented in manufacturing environment 100 inFIG. 1. In particular, one or more of the different operationsillustrated may be implemented using object manager 124 in FIG. 1.

In this illustrative example, the different operations in FIG. 23 may beimplemented to show dependencies between parts in an assembly for a shoporder instance. Further, the different operations also may be used toshow dependencies between different assemblies. The dependencies may bedisplayed during the display of an assembly in the context of otherassemblies such as described in FIG. 16 and in FIG. 17.

The process begins by identifying parts displayed in a graphical userinterface (operation 2300). The process also identifies tasks performedwith respect to the parts displayed (operation 2302). The processfurther identifies dependencies for at least one of the parts displayedand the tasks performed (operation 2304). In these illustrativeexamples, each dependency is defined by a dependency data structure.

The process still further identifies a graphical indicator for eachdependency in the dependency data structure of each respectivedependency (operation 2306). The process then displays the identifiedgraphical indicators for the identified dependencies (operation 2308).In this illustrated process, the dependency data structure of eachrespective dependency is an example of dependency structure 700 in FIG.7. The graphical indicator for each dependency is an example ofgraphical indicator 704 in FIG. 7.

Next, the process receives a user input selecting a graphical indicatorfor a dependency (operation 2310). The process identifies informationabout the dependency (operation 2312). The process then displays theidentified information (operation 2314), with the process terminatingthereafter. In this illustrated process, the identified information forthe dependency includes description 706 in FIG. 7. The identifiedinformation may also include rule 702 in FIG. 7 and a status for whetherthe dependency has been met.

The flowcharts and block diagrams in the different depicted embodimentsillustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of somepossible implementations of apparatuses and methods in an illustrativeembodiment. In this regard, each block in the flowcharts or blockdiagrams may represent a module, a segment, a function, and/or a portionof an operation or step. For example, one or more of the blocks may beimplemented as program code, in hardware, or a combination of theprogram code and hardware. When implemented in hardware, the hardwaremay, for example, take the form of integrated circuits that aremanufactured or configured to perform one or more operations in theflowcharts or block diagrams. When implemented as a combination ofprogram code and hardware, the implementation may take the form offirmware.

In some alternative implementations of an illustrative embodiment, thefunction or functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the ordernoted in the figures. For example, in some cases, two blocks shown insuccession may be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be performed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. Also, other blocks may be added in addition tothe illustrated blocks in a flowchart or block diagram.

For example, operations for other functions relating to shop orderinstances also may be used in addition to or in place of the onesdepicted. In one illustrative example, operations may be included toverify or update the status of shop order instances displayed ingraphical user interfaces in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.As another illustrative example, operation 1900 and operation 1902 maybe omitted when only a single building is present.

As another illustrative example, the display of graphical indicators forthe status of assemblies and shop order instances may be omitted in someillustrative examples. As another example, an operator may toggle backand forth between showing other assemblies with the assembly for theshop order instance. In yet other illustrative examples, other types ofviews may be displayed such as an exploded view based on particularcommands received while viewing an assembly for a shop order instance.In still other illustrative examples, the selection of a part orassembly also may display information about the shop order instanceassociated with the part or assembly.

Turning now to FIG. 24, an illustration of a block diagram of a dataprocessing system is depicted in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment. Data processing system 2400 may be used to implementcomputer system 126 in FIG. 1. In this illustrative example, dataprocessing system 2400 includes communications framework 2402, whichprovides communications between processor unit 2404, memory 2406,persistent storage 2408, communications unit 2410, input/output unit2412, and display 2414. In this example, communications framework maytake the form of a bus system.

Processor unit 2404 serves to execute instructions for software that maybe loaded into memory 2406. Processor unit 2404 may be a number ofprocessors, a multi-processor core, or some other type of processor,depending on the particular implementation.

Memory 2406 and persistent storage 2408 are examples of storage devices2416. A storage device is any piece of hardware that is capable ofstoring information, such as, for example, without limitation, data,program code in functional form, and/or other suitable informationeither on a temporary basis and/or a permanent basis. Storage devices2416 may also be referred to as computer readable storage devices inthese illustrative examples. Memory 2406, in these examples, may be, forexample, a random access memory or any other suitable volatile ornon-volatile storage device. Persistent storage 2408 may take variousforms, depending on the particular implementation.

For example, persistent storage 2408 may contain one or more componentsor devices. For example, persistent storage 2408 may be a hard drive, aflash memory, a rewritable optical disk, a rewritable magnetic tape, orsome combination of the above. The media used by persistent storage 2408also may be removable. For example, a removable hard drive may be usedfor persistent storage 2408.

Communications unit 2410, in these illustrative examples, provides forcommunications with other data processing systems or devices. In theseillustrative examples, communications unit 2410 is a network interfacecard.

Input/output unit 2412 allows for input and output of data with otherdevices that may be connected to data processing system 2400. Forexample, input/output unit 2412 may provide a connection for user inputthrough a keyboard, a mouse, and/or some other suitable input device.Further, input/output unit 2412 may send output to a printer. Display2414 provides a mechanism to display information to a user.

Instructions for the operating system, applications, and/or programs maybe located in storage devices 2416, which are in communication withprocessor unit 2404 through communications framework 2402. The processesof the different embodiments may be performed by processor unit 2404using computer-implemented instructions, which may be located in amemory, such as memory 2406.

These instructions are referred to as program code, computer usableprogram code, or computer readable program code that may be read andexecuted by a processor in processor unit 2404. The program code in thedifferent embodiments may be embodied on different physical or computerreadable storage media, such as memory 2406 or persistent storage 2408.

Program code 2418 is located in a functional form on computer readablemedia 2420 that is selectively removable and may be loaded onto ortransferred to data processing system 2400 for execution by processorunit 2404. Program code 2418 and computer readable media 2420 formcomputer program product 2422 in these illustrative examples.

In one example, computer readable media 2420 may be computer readablestorage media 2424 or computer readable signal media 2426. In theseillustrative examples, computer readable storage media 2424 is aphysical or tangible storage device used to store program code 2418rather than a medium that propagates or transmits program code 2418.

Alternatively, program code 2418 may be transferred to data processingsystem 2400 using computer readable signal media 2426. Computer readablesignal media 2426 may be, for example, a propagated data signalcontaining program code 2418. For example, computer readable signalmedia 2426 may be an electromagnetic signal, an optical signal, and/orany other suitable type of signal. These signals may be transmitted overcommunications links, such as wireless communications links, opticalfiber cable, coaxial cable, a wire, and/or any other suitable type ofcommunications link.

The different components illustrated for data processing system 2400 arenot meant to provide architectural limitations to the manner in whichdifferent embodiments may be implemented. The different illustrativeembodiments may be implemented in a data processing system includingcomponents in addition to and/or in place of those illustrated for dataprocessing system 2400. Other components shown in FIG. 24 can be variedfrom the illustrative examples shown. The different embodiments may beimplemented using any hardware device or system capable of runningprogram code 2418.

Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure may be described in thecontext of aircraft manufacturing and service method 2500 as shown inFIG. 25 and aircraft 2600 as shown in FIG. 26. Turning first to FIG. 25,an illustration of a block diagram of an aircraft manufacturing andservice method is depicted in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment. During pre-production, aircraft manufacturing and servicemethod 2500 may include specification and design 2502 of aircraft 2600in FIG. 26 and material procurement 2504.

During production, component and subassembly manufacturing 2506 andsystem integration 2508 of aircraft 2600 in FIG. 26 takes place.Thereafter, aircraft 2600 in FIG. 26 may go through certification anddelivery 2510 in order to be placed in service 2512. While in service2512 by a customer, aircraft 2600 in FIG. 26 is scheduled for routinemaintenance and service 2514, which may include modification,reconfiguration, refurbishment, and other maintenance or service.

Each of the processes of aircraft manufacturing and service method 2500may be performed or carried out by a system integrator, a third party,and/or an operator. In these examples, the operator may be a customer.For the purposes of this description, a system integrator may include,without limitation, any number of aircraft manufacturers andmajor-system subcontractors; a third party may include, withoutlimitation, any number of vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers; and anoperator may be an airline, a leasing company, a military entity, aservice organization, and so on.

With reference now to FIG. 26, an illustration of a block diagram of anaircraft is depicted in which an illustrative embodiment may beimplemented. In this example, aircraft 2600 is produced by aircraftmanufacturing and service method 2500 in FIG. 25 and may includeairframe 2602 with systems 2604 and interior 2606. Examples of systems2604 include one or more of propulsion system 2608, electrical system2610, hydraulic system 2612, and environmental system 2614. Any numberof other systems may be included. Although an aerospace example isshown, different illustrative embodiments may be applied to otherindustries, such as the automotive industry.

Apparatuses and methods embodied herein may be employed during at leastone of the stages of aircraft manufacturing and service method 2500 inFIG. 25.

For example, one or more illustrative embodiments may be implementedduring system integration 2508. The different illustrative examples maybe implemented to identify a status of shop order instances used toperform tasks to assemble parts on aircraft 2600. Additionally, anillustrative embodiment also may be implemented during maintenance andservice 2514. For example, the status of the shop order instances forperformance of tasks to assemble parts for maintenance, upgrades,refurbishment, and other operations during maintenance and service 2514may be identified using an illustrative embodiment.

Turning now to FIG. 27, an illustration of a block diagram of amanufacturing system is depicted in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment. Manufacturing system 2700 is a physical hardware system andis configured to manufacture products, such as aircraft 2600 in FIG. 26.

As depicted, manufacturing system 2700 includes manufacturing equipment2702. Manufacturing equipment 2702 includes at least one of fabricationequipment 2704 or assembly equipment 2706.

Fabrication equipment 2704 is equipment that may be used to fabricatecomponents for parts used to form aircraft 2600. For example,fabrication equipment 2704 may include machines and tools. Thesemachines and tools may be at least one of a drill, a hydraulic press, afurnace, a mold, a composite tape laying machine, a vacuum system, alathe, or other suitable types of equipment. Fabrication equipment 2704may be used to fabricate at least one of metal parts, composite parts,semiconductors, circuits, fasteners, ribs, skin panels, spars, antennas,pharynx, or other suitable types of parts.

Assembly equipment 2706 is equipment used to assemble parts to formaircraft 2600. In particular, assembly equipment 2706 may be used toassemble components and parts to form aircraft 2600. Assembly equipment2706 also may include machines and tools. These machines and tools maybe at least one of a robotic arm, a crawler, a faster installationsystem, a rail-based drilling system, or a robot. Assembly equipment2706 may be used to assemble parts such as seats, horizontalstabilizers, wings, engines, engine housings, landing gear systems, andother parts for aircraft 2600.

Manufacturing system 2700 also includes control system 2708. Controlsystem 2708 is a hardware system and may also include software or othertypes of components. Control system 2708 is configured to control theoperation of manufacturing equipment 2702. Control system 2708 may beimplemented using hardware. The hardware may include computers,circuits, networks, and other types of equipment. The control may takethe form of direct control of manufacturing equipment 2702. For example,robots, computer-controlled machines, and other equipment may becontrolled by control system 2708. In other illustrative examples,control system 2708 may manage operations performed by human operators2710 in manufacturing aircraft 2600. In these illustrative examples,object manager 124 in FIG. 1 may be implemented in control system 2708to manage the manufacturing of aircraft 2600 in FIG. 26.

In the different illustrative examples, human operators 2710 may operateor interact with at least one of manufacturing equipment 2702 or controlsystem 2708. This interaction may be performed to manufacture aircraft2600.

Of course, manufacturing system 2700 may be configured to manufactureother products. Although manufacturing system 2700 has been describedwith respect to manufacturing in the aerospace industry, manufacturingsystem 2700 may be configured to manufacture products for otherindustries. For example, manufacturing system 2700 may be configured tomanufacture products for the automotive industry as well as any othersuitable industries.

In this manner, operators may visualize information about the status ofshop order instances using a graphical user interface. Thisvisualization includes displaying graphical indicators of the status ofshop order instances in association with graphical representations ofthe parts on which tasks are performed.

Further, control system 2708 with object manager 124 may monitor themanufacturing of aircraft 2600. This monitoring may be through thestatus of shop order instances as described above. The status of shoporder instances may also be used to visually display the status of themanufacturing of aircraft 2600. This display may be based on thepositions in an assembly line for aircraft 2600.

Additionally, an analysis of the shop order instances may also be usedto identify and flag problem areas. These problem areas may be, forexample, areas in which completion of shop order instances may be slowerthan desired, areas in which non-conformances are greater than desired,or other undesirable situations. Control system 2708 may controlmanufacturing equipment 2702 to halt manufacturing in a problem areauntil the problem is resolved. In other illustrative examples, controlsystem 2708 may send instructions to human operators 2710 to haltmanufacturing and resolve an issue in a problem area.

Thus, with one or more illustrative embodiments, understandinginstructions in shop order instances for parts to be assembled formassemblies may be made easier for operators. In one or more illustrativeembodiments, the visualization of an assembly of parts for a shop orderinstance is displayed to an operator. Further, other assemblies that areadjacent to or within some selected distance of the assembly for theshop order instance also are displayed. This display provides a visualcontext for an operator that has to perform operations for an assemblyaccording to instructions in the shop order instance.

With the visualization of the assembly and other assemblies within aselected distance of the assembly for visual context, the amount of timeneeded for an operator to comprehend instructions and perform operationsto assemble parts to form the assembly may be reduced. As a result,time, training, and expense needed to assemble an object such as anaircraft may be reduced.

The description of the different illustrative embodiments has beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description, and is notintended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the formdisclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art.

For example, the illustrative examples may be applied to differentstates during manufacturing of an object. For example, planned states aswell as actual states may be selected for display with respect toobtaining information about tasks such as those in shop order instances.For planned or actual states, the parts actually present in those statesmay be used when displaying information about shop order instances. Thisinformation may include the visualization of the assembly in contextwith other assemblies as well as other information. In this manner,visualization of assemblies for particular states and shop orderinstance information may be better visualized. Further, this type ofvisualization may also make planning or modifying shop order instancesless tedious and difficult.

Other illustrative examples may be applied to other parts of a lifecycle of an aircraft other than manufacturing. For example, theillustrative examples may be applied to maintenance of an aircraft. Anillustrative example may include providing visualization duringrefurbishment, upgrades, and other operations that may be performedduring maintenance of an aircraft.

Further, different illustrative embodiments may provide differentfeatures as compared to other illustrative embodiments. The embodimentor embodiments selected are chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application,and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand thedisclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as aresuited to the particular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for visualizing an assembly of parts foran aircraft, the method comprising: identifying, by a processor, aparticular position of the aircraft on an assembly line comprising aplurality of aircraft which includes the aircraft, wherein each of theplurality of aircraft has a different position on the assembly line;identifying, by the processor, a shop order instance for the assembly ofparts for the aircraft, wherein the shop order instance is selected froma shop order database containing shop order instances that can begenerated for only the particular position; identifying dynamically, bythe processor, a volume for the shop order instance when a user selectsthe shop order instance that includes the assembly of parts, wherein thevolume is based on at least one of a section in which the assembly ofparts is located or a selected distance from the assembly of parts, andwherein the volume includes a number of assemblies of other parts thatmay be adjacent to or within the selected distance of the assembly ofparts; and displaying, by a tangible display device according to acommand from the processor, graphical representations of the assembly ofparts within the volume in context with the number of assemblies ofother parts as shown visually within the volume on a graphical userinterface of the display device.
 2. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising: displaying a set of graphical indicators in association withat least one of the assembly of parts and the number of assemblies,wherein the set of graphical indicators indicates a status of shop orderinstances for at least one of the assembly and the number of assemblies.3. The method of claim 1 further comprising: identifying parts presentin the volume.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the parts present inthe volume are for a current state of assembly of the aircraft on anassembly line.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein identifying the shoporder instance for the assembly of parts for the aircraft comprises:receiving a user input identifying the shop order instance for theassembly of parts for the aircraft.
 6. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising: displaying a set of graphical indicators indicatingdependencies between parts in at least one of the assembly of parts orthe number of assemblies of the other parts within the volume.
 7. Themethod of claim 1 further comprising: building the aircraft based ondisplaying the assembly of parts.
 8. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising: identifying a state from states of assembly for theaircraft.
 9. The method of claim 8 further comprising: identifying partsthat are present for the state in the volume corresponding to thesection.
 10. An aircraft management system comprising: an object managercomprising a memory configured to store one or more sets ofinstructions; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processorconfigured to execute the one or more sets of instructions, to:identify, by the processor, a particular position of an aircraft on anassembly line comprising a plurality of aircraft which includes theaircraft, wherein each of the plurality of aircraft has a differentposition on the assembly line; identify a shop order instance for anassembly of parts for an aircraft, wherein the shop order instance isselected from a shop order database containing shop order instances thatcan be generated for only the particular position; identify dynamicallya volume for the shop order instance when a user selects the shop orderinstance that includes the assembly of parts, wherein the volume isbased on at least one of a section in which the assembly of parts islocated or a selected distance from the assembly of parts, and whereinthe volume includes a number of assemblies of other parts that may beadjacent to or within the selected distance of the assembly of parts;and display graphical representations of the assembly of parts withinthe volume in context with the number of assemblies of other parts asshown visually within the volume on a graphical user interface of theaircraft management system; and a manufacturing system comprisingmanufacturing equipment configured to assemble the aircraft based on theshop order instance.
 11. The aircraft management system of claim 10,wherein the processor is further configured to execute the objectmanager to display the assembly of parts without the context with theother parts within the volume.
 12. The aircraft management system ofclaim 11, wherein in being configured to display the assembly of partswithout the context with the other parts within the volume, theprocessor is further configured to execute the object manager to displayan exploded view of the assembly of parts without the context with theother parts within the volume.
 13. The aircraft management system ofclaim 10, wherein the processor is further configured to execute theobject manager to display a set of graphical indicators in associationwith at least one of the assembly of parts and the number of assemblies,wherein the set of graphical indicators indicates a status of shop orderinstances for at least one of the assembly of parts and the number ofassemblies.
 14. The aircraft management system of claim 10, wherein theprocessor is further configured to execute the object manager toidentify parts present in the volume.
 15. The aircraft management systemof claim 14, wherein the parts present in the volume are for a currentstate of assembly of the aircraft on an assembly line.
 16. The aircraftmanagement system of claim 10, wherein in being configured to identifythe shop order instance for the assembly of parts for the aircraft, theprocessor is further configured to execute the object manager to receivea user input identifying the shop order instance for the assembly ofparts for the aircraft.
 17. The aircraft management system of claim 10,wherein the processor is further configured to execute the objectmanager to display a set of graphical indicators indicating dependenciesbetween parts in at least one of the assembly of parts or the number ofassemblies of the other parts within the volume.
 18. The aircraftmanagement system of claim 10 wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to execute the one or more sets of instructions to: identifya state from states of assembly for the aircraft.
 19. The aircraftmanagement system of claim 18 wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to execute the one or more sets of instructions to: identifyparts that are present for the state in the volume corresponding to thesection.